HABITAT

BEHAVIOR

Constantly moving, almost nuthatch-like, moving over small branches both high and low within the forest, but favoring thickets and vines and avoiding large trunks and limbs. The Spanish common name telegrafista comes from the resemblance of its feeding percussion blows to the sound of Morse code being tapped out by telegraph.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Feeds largely on ants, especially those that tunnel in dead twigs; also takes other insects and their eggs and larvae.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Nest cavity excavated in soft wood, in a low stub, by both members of a pair. Pair roosts together in the cavity prior to nesting. Clutch of 1-3 white eggs incubated for about 14 days by both parents; young fed by both parents; fledge at about age 24-26 days.